SCHENECTADY — A prominent downtown Schenectady pub owner has unveiled plans to invest a whopping $400,000 to breathe new life into a historic late 19th-century building, transforming it into desirable market-rate apartments.
The man behind this ambitious project is Terry Aldrich, the proud owner of The Backstage Pub on Smith Street. His sights are set on the renovation of 417 Union St., a multi-story residence built in 1897, nestled in the heart of the Union Street Historic District.
The project blueprint involves the conversion of the building into three high-quality apartment units. These units will feature new flooring, updated plumbing and electrical systems, and modernized kitchens and bathrooms, as per a press release from the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.
Additionally, the plans include the installation of a new roof. The Metroplex will also be contributing a $40,000 grant to fund improvements to the building’s façade.
During a recent meeting, Ray Gillen, the Metroplex chair, expressed that the restoration of this property will complement the recent investments in the Little Italy area. He emphasized that this project is yet another example of the development authority’s commitment to preserving historic buildings.
“This building needs our attention,” he stated.
In the past, Metroplex has successfully added numerous city buildings to the State and National Historic Registries. This strategy not only protects these structures from potential demolition but also unlocks tax credits that can be used to fund their restoration.
This approach was recently employed to restore the Wedgeway Building, a prominent structure at the intersection of State Street and Erie Boulevard. This building, which once housed the State Theater, had been a target of city code violations for years. It is now being redeveloped by Cass Hill Development of Latham.
Gillen revealed that Aldrich is also planning to restore an adjacent building on Union Street, which was formerly JoJo’s Auto Service, an auto repair shop owned by Aldrich’s grandfather. These plans could be set in motion as early as next month.
Last year, Aldrich shared with the Daily Gazette his aspiration to open a bar at this location, named in honor of his grandfather’s former auto garage.
“I am eager to commence the restoration of 417 Union. This project will be a fantastic addition to the neighborhood and I am grateful for all the support Metroplex has provided,” Aldrich said. “My grandfather JoJo also owned the property next door, JoJo’s Auto Service, and we are excited to introduce a fresh concept to that location soon.”
Disagree – Historic buildings should be preserved, not turned into apartment complexes.
Historic buildings are important pieces of our past that should be respected and preserved, not transformed for profit.
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